East Bay · In Person · Beginner Friendly
Learn to DJ and make your own music in Oakland & the East Bay.
The DJ Program bundles our Live DJing and Music Production courses with private lessons and your own time in commercial studios in Emeryville. Start from zero and play your own tracks live.
Why learn DJing and production together?
Play your own songs
Learn both sides of the equation: live performance and studio production. You leave able to DJ your own shows and work your own tracks into your sets.
One plan, two skill sets
Instead of piecing together classes on your own, the program lays out the path: DJing first, then production, with private lessons and studio time to fill the gaps.
A studio you can use
Program students book their own private time in our 3 commercial studios at The Grill Studios. Practice, record, and work on professional gear between classes.
What's in the DJ Program
Two small group courses, 10 hours of private lessons, and Studio Lab access, all in person at our Emeryville campus.
Course 1
Course 2 · pick one
Included
10 hours of private lessons
1-on-1 time with any of our instructors, for whatever you are working on that week.
Included
Studio Lab access
Book your own time in our 3 commercial studios to practice, record, and finish your projects.
See the full breakdown on the DJ Program page.
What you'll learn
On the decks
- Beatmatching and phrase mixing
- Transitions, EQ, and effects
- Reading a room and building a set
- Playing a live set with confidence
In the studio
- Starting from a blank session in Ableton Live or Logic Pro
- Writing, recording, and arranging your own tracks
- Finishing songs you can actually play out
- Working on real projects, not just exercises
How the program works
-
Learn to DJ
The Live DJing course meets once a week for 3 hours over 10 weeks, taught by working Bay Area DJs. You leave able to play a live set.
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Learn to produce
Then start from zero in the production course, in the DAW you pick: Ableton Live or Logic Pro. You make tracks from scratch, once a week for 3 hours over 10 weeks.
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Go deeper 1-on-1
10 hours of private lessons with any of our instructors, so you can chase whatever is holding your DJing or your music back.
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Work in a real studio
Studio Lab access lets you book your own time in our 3 commercial studios at The Grill Studios and put class skills to work.
Serving the whole East Bay
Anthem Music Academy is located at The Grill Studios in Emeryville, on the Oakland border, a short drive or BART-and-bus trip from most of the East Bay. Our students commute from Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, Richmond, and Walnut Creek. If you've been searching for a "DJ and music production program" or "learn to DJ and produce near me" from anywhere in the East Bay, this is the studio.
Want to start smaller? Try a single course: DJ classes or our music production classes. Focused on production and mixing? See the Producer Program.
Common questions
What is the DJ Program?
A 6 months program that bundles two of our small group courses, Live DJing and Music Production, with 10 hours of private lessons and Studio Lab access. You learn to DJ, then learn to make your own tracks in Ableton Live or Logic Pro, so you can play your own music live.
Do I need any experience?
No. The program is beginner friendly and both courses start from the basics. You do not need to know how to DJ or produce before you start.
Do I have to pick between DJing and music production?
No, that is the point. The program includes both. The only choice is which DAW you learn for the production course: Ableton Live or Logic Pro.
Where is the program located?
In person at The Grill Studios in Emeryville, CA, right on the Oakland border. Students come from across the East Bay: Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward, Richmond, and Walnut Creek.
How is the program different from taking the courses separately?
Each course covers one skill in about 10 weeks. The program stacks both back to back, adds private lessons, and includes Studio Lab access so you can work in a professional studio between classes. Programs also typically cost less than buying the same courses one at a time.
How much does the DJ Program cost?
Program pricing starts with a quick call with our director, who helps you set everything up. Payment plans are available, and so is Klarna financing.
What do I need to bring?
Your own laptop with your DAW installed, plus headphones. Not sure what to buy, including DJ gear? We will help you pick the right setup before you start.
Ready to apply for the DJ Program?
Start with a quick conversation. We'll answer your questions and help you find the right fit, or you can come see the studio for yourself.